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Sara Napier
Featured Appointment

United Way Halifax welcomes Sara Napier as New President and CEO

United Way logo

September 30, 2015

Andrea Forbes-Hurley, Executive Search Consultant, KBRS is pleased to have assisted United Way Halifax with the appointment of Sara Napier as President and CEO. Sara’s first day in her new role begins October 5, 2015. 

Sara joins United Way Halifax with over 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, community development and fundraising. Previously, she was the Vice President of Strategy and Marketing with the IWK Foundation, where she has held progressive leadership roles since she began in 2008. She is credited with transforming the organization’s marketing and communications strategy, contributing to countless fundraising successes and leading business plan and structure changes that have evolved the overall strategy for the Foundation. 

Before joining the IWK Foundation, Sara worked in marketing and communications with Nova Scotia Community College during a rapid period of expansion. She co-led an award winning province-wide strategy project, involving 10,000 NSCC students and staff recognized by the International League of Innovation. 

“Sara’s commitment to community service is undeniable,” says John Rogers, Board Chair, United Way Halifax. “Her passion for making an impact in the lives of others has been evident throughout her career and we are confident that, under her leadership, United Way Halifax will continue to make great strides in building vibrant neighbourhoods and strengthening our city.”

Reporting to the Board of Directors, as President and CEO, Sara will champion the goals, vision, values and initiatives of United Way Halifax. She will lead innovation and growth, strategic plan execution, creative fundraising strategies, the development of quality relationships with community partners to impact social change and the demonstration of the tangible impact of donations in the community.

“I believe Halifax can be the best city in Canada. To achieve this vision it’s equally important to continue on the path of economic growth, and dramatically strengthen the social fabric of our city,” says Napier. “I am honored to have the opportunity to work with the Board, staff, volunteers and all of our supporters to ensure United Way Halifax is a funder, partner, compassionate voice and a champion of positive community change.”

Sara holds a Bachelor of Public Relations from Mount Saint Vincent University (1995), a Certificate in Community Economic Development from NSCC (1997), and an Executive MBA from the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s University (2011). An award winning communicator, Sara was honoured to be a recipient of a Progress Club of Halifax Women of Excellence Award in 2011. Sara grew up in Halifax, has been a life-long Nova Scotian, and is an active community volunteer today.  United Way Halifax is an influential voice for change through public policy and courageous leadership. With a proven record that extends beyond funding, it is a valued partner on homelessness and affordable housing and a catalyst for neighbourhood renewal. It is at the centre of a cultural shift toward healthy, active lifestyles. United Way works with community partners to build sustainable solutions for the future while also supporting services to improve lives today.

Please join us in welcoming Sara to her new role with United Way Halifax.